Federal Activities Program

HYDROPOWER RELICENSING: Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office (UCFWO) biologists in the Federal Activities Program work closely with private utilities, public utility districts, and an array of Federal, State, and Tribal resource managers during the licensing of non-Federal hydroelectric projects (dams) under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and pursuant to the Federal Power Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

WETLANDS REGULATORY PROGRAM: Staff biologists review and comment on Army Corps of Engineers actions that require a permit pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, NEPA, and section 7 of the ESA. Technical assistance may be provided to the Corps to insure adequate mitigation is considered for project related impacts to fish and wildlife resources.

MIGRATORY BIRDS: Staff biologists work with Federal, state, local, and Tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and the public on issues that concern migratory birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Most birds are protected under the MBTA, including raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds. Staff biologists can provide information if you have any questions.The Spokane Field Office also has a Wildlife Rescue program where biologists can transport injured birds (primarily raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds) to wildlife rehabilitators. The ability to carry out the Wildlife Rescue function may depend on staff availability at the time.

SIKES ACT: Staff biologists work with the military in developing resource management plans for military installations where Federal Trust fish and wildlife resources could be affected by their operations.

FEDERAL HIGHWAYS: Staff biologists review and comment on transportation projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA). Some staff positions may be funded or staff provided to the Service, by cooperating state agencies pursuant to provisions of the Transportation Equity Act.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT: Staff biologists routinely review and provide detailed comments on NEPA documents, such as Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements prepared for most Federal actions that may affect Federal Trust fish and wildlife resources.

PROJECT PLANNING: Based on staff availability, biologists will review and comment on State and local projects that are not subject to NEPA, but where Federal Trust fish and wildlife resources may be affected by a proposed action.